Pakistan begin Asia Cup 2025 campaign with dominant win over Oman

Pakistan begin Asia Cup 2025 campaign with dominant win over Oman

DUBAI: Pakistan opened their Asia Cup 2025 campaign with a commanding 93-run win over Oman in the fourth fixture of the ACC Men’s T20 Asia Cup 2025, held at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Friday evening.

Batting first, Pakistan posted a solid total of 160 for seven in their 20 overs. Mohammad Haris was the star of the innings, smashing a brilliant 66 off 43 balls, laced with seven boundaries and three maximums. The wicketkeeper-batter built a crucial 85-run second-wicket stand with Sahibzada Farhan (29 off 29), laying the platform for Pakistan’s total. Fakhar Zaman added a valuable unbeaten 23 off 16 balls to close the innings.

Oman bowlers Aamir Kaleem (3-31) and Shah Faisal (3-34) impressed with the ball, sharing six wickets between them.

In response, Oman — playing their first-ever Asia Cup — faltered against Pakistan’s spin-heavy attack and were bundled out for just 67 in 16.4 overs. Hammad Mirza (27), Aamir Kaleem (13), and Shakeel Ahmed (10) were the only batters to reach double digits.

Pakistan’s spinners dominated the proceedings. Abrar Ahmed (1-12), Mohammad Nawaz (1-13), Saim Ayub (2-8), and Sufyan Moqim (2-7) accounted for six wickets collectively. Faheem Ashraf chipped in with two wickets for just six runs, wrapping up a clinical bowling performance.

Mohammad Haris was adjudged Player of the Match for his match-defining half-century.

This emphatic win gives Pakistan a strong start in their Asia Cup 2025 journey. They are now set to face traditional rivals India in a high-voltage encounter on Sunday, 14 September, at the same venue.